Feed the Hungry: Season of Suppers
Many people are aware of food delivery programs for home-bound senior citizens such as Meals on Wheels (MOWAA), but what about the pets of senior citizens? Pet food is expensive and bulky to haul.Phil Shippers, director of the Visiting Nurse Meals On Wheels program of Rochester, N.Y., knows that feeding the pets of senior citizens is often as important as feeding the humans. "We know that many seniors in our community are compromising their own nutrition by sharing their meals with their pets," says Shippers.
The Season of Suppers campaign partnership among Banfield Pet Hospitals, the Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT) and Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) addresses this critical issue. With help from grants and donations, both seniors and their pets are enjoying better nutrition.
December 2008 update: Most Meals On Wheels will run the Pet food feeding programs year-round, so people can be directed to contact their local Meals On Wheels affiliate for more information about how to help after Dec. 31st.
You can help
Banfield Pet Hospitals across the nation are collecting donations of pet food and money and donating to their local MOWAA programs to feed the pets of seniors. New this year are pet-themed notecards available for purchase. The packet of eight full-color cards wil be sold for $10, and all of the proceeds will be donated for the campaign.
For more information:
- Season of Suppers Campaign
Press release from Banfield Pet Hospital - Find a Banfield hospital near you
Search by zip code or state. - Seasons of Suppers on Facebook
Join the effort on Facebook - Meals on Wheels Association of America
Learn how you can help in your community
Image courtesy Banfield Pet Hospital
Comments
What a wonderful program! Thanks so much for sharing it, Dr. Janet!
This is a wonderful idea! I only wish it lasted long than just the holiday season.
You can always give cat and dog food banks .The local ones will all ask the clients if they have pets and need it when they are fortunate to get it in..
What a very humane program and surely will make the holidays what it should be … a time for love, caring and sharing… Its what Christmas is all about.. But I wish it would be Christmas everyday..
I contacted the representative that originally contacted me about the Season of Suppers regarding the “season versus all year round” question.
Here is the reply:
“Most Meals On Wheels will run the Pet food feeding programs year-round, so people can be directed to contact their local Meals On Wheels affiliate for more information about how to help after Dec. 31st.”